AfDB intervenes as 11 African countries battle hazardous chemicals

In a landmark move, the AfDB recently approved a major initiative targeting hazardous chemicals in 11 Least Developed Countries (LDCs) across Africa.

This initiative marks a pivotal step in safeguarding public health and protecting the environment.

As the first of its kind by the AfDB, the program represents a milestone in sustainable chemical management.

The project is backed by a $21.3 million grant from the Global Environment Facility (GEF), complemented by co-financing from AfDB-supported projects in urban development, agriculture, and agro-industrial sectors within the participating countries.

The project, titled “Scaling-up Investment and Technology Transfer to Facilitate Capacity Strengthening and Technical Assistance for the Implementation of Stockholm and Minamata Conventions in African LDCs – Phase 2” (AFLDC-2), adopts a multistakeholder approach to address the urgent need for effective chemical and waste management.

These hazardous chemicals, often originating from industrial waste, agricultural activities, and improper disposal methods, pose serious risks to ecosystems and human livelihoods.

The targeted LDCs which include Angola, Ethiopia, The Gambia, Guinea, Liberia, Mauritania, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Togo, Uganda, and Zambia, frequently lack sufficient infrastructure and policy frameworks and are disproportionately impacted by hazardous chemical exposure.

This innovative initiative aims to mitigate health risks, prevent environmental degradation, and bolster the long-term economic resilience of these nations.

The AfDB has consistently reaffirmed its commitment to tackling hazardous waste challenges in Africa, aligning these efforts with its broader agenda for sustainable development, environmental protection, and public health improvement.

Gareth Phillips, Manager for Climate and Environment Finance at the AfDB, emphasized that the AFLDC-2 project represents a pivotal milestone in Africa’s ongoing efforts to address the pressing challenges posed by hazardous chemicals and waste.

“As the African Development Bank’s first project financed exclusively under the GEF’s Chemicals and Waste Focal Area, we are proud to set this precedent and are optimistic that it will pave the way for many more to come. The Bank is honored to lead this transformative effort towards a cleaner, healthier, and more resilient Africa.” Philips added.

The AFLDC-2 project aims to eliminate obsolete chemical stockpiles, reduce toxic emissions, and prevent waste pollution.

It seeks to achieve these goals by strengthening national capacities, promoting environmentally sound practices, adopting circular economy approaches, and fostering regional cooperation to share experiences and best practices.